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Japan’s summer is not summer without fireworks and festivals. With the rising temperature and sunny days ahead, summer in Niseko is in full swing this July as the area and its neighbouring towns host a number of festivals everyone is welcome to go and see. Check out the list of summer activities and events in Niseko happening this month of July below and join the fun.
In Setsu
Niseko Jazz Festival
18 – 20 July 2025
After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Niseko Jazz Festival will be happening for the second time here at Setsu Niseko. 12 incredible acts will be coming, including last year’s headliner Keiko Lee, joined by new acts like Orquesta De La Luz and Andrea Motis will take on the stage and put on a show celebrating the genre of jazz in all of its forms.
If you want to experience the full festival experience, book our Niseko Jazz Festival Stay Package which includes tickets to the Niseko Jazz Festival, a limited edition tote bag, and a complimentary drink coupon per day along with your stay.
In and Around Niseko
Mountain Lights
1 July – 13 October 2025
The stunning immersive light art installation, Mountain Lights, will be open to visitors again this year starting 1 July. Located at the base of Mt. Annupuri in HANAZONO, enjoy Bruce Munro’s play on light, color, and sound – consisting of his three works: “Arrow Spring”, “Moon Bloom” and “Prismatic Spring” – from up above on the gondola, and up close as you leisurely walk through the illuminated path.
In addition to the mountain lights, HANAZONO will also be holding a summer fireworks display and a Fire Goddess Performance starting 5 July until 11 October.
Mountain Cart Experience Starts
3 July – 29 September 2025
Grand Hirafu is also introducing a new summer activity this green season as well. Mountain Cart is a popular activity in other countries but it will be the first of its kind in Hokkaido. An exciting easy-to-operate downhill cart suitable for all ages, this is a family-friendly activity anyone can enjoy while taking in the beautiful Niseko scenery in Hirafu.
Shakotan Fire Festival
4 – 6 July 2025
Shakotan, a town located next to the sea of Japan known for its seafood and stunning capes, holds an annual festival at Bikuni Shrine to pray for continued safety at sea and a bountiful catch. Fisherman’s flags (大漁旗) decorate the town, and numerous floats and food stalls fill the streets of Shakotan during this time. However, the highlight of the festival is the Tengu Fire Dance where a person dressed as a tengu, walks through a pillar of flames, symbolising an act of purification.
Photo Credit: Niseko Expedition
Niseko Expedition
4 – 6 July 2025
An adventure racing event, Niseko Expedition is considered to be one of the toughest races out there, the whole race takes around 36 hours to complete where participating teams have to race through the Niseko’s natural terrain by trekking, mountain biking, packrafting, and canyoning. This year, the race will start at the Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort on the midnight of 5 July and will end with an after party on 6 July.
Photo Credit: JRCA
ARK Rally Kamuy
4 – 6 July 2025
Another thrill-packed event happening the same weekend as the Niseko Expedition is the ARK Rally Kamuy. The 5th round of the All Japan Rally Championship and the first gravel course of the year, the race will be happening on the unpaved roads of Rankoshi, Niseko, Kutchan, Kyogoku, and Makkari. With spectator areas set up in several points of the race course, people can come and watch the race in person.
Photo Credit: Experience Niseko
Iwanai Shrine Festival
7 – 9 July 2025
Witness an age-old and culturally rich shrine festival less than an hour away from Niseko in the first week of July. The Iwanai Shrine Festival in Iwanai goes back to over 200 years ago and is rooted in old Japanese and indigenous Ainu traditions. To wish good luck on homes and businesses, Iwanai locals carry around two portable shrines, or mikoshi, around town accompanied by sacred Shinto music called kagura. The main ceremony ends with these portable shrines being paraded on the sea and carried up to the shrine.
Photo Credit: Kai Hokkaido
Furubira Fire Festival
12 – 13 July 2025
The town of Furubira is also another town in the area that holds a fire festival every year. Similar to Shakotan’s Fire Festival, the town of Furubira also holds a fire festival for safety at sea and a plentiful catch at sea. Accompanied by the traditional Japanese festival sounds of drums and flutes, a person donning a Tengu mask walks through fire for a total of three times, followed by a lion dance walking through the fire as well.
Photo Credit: Gutabi
Niseko Hirafu Green Park
18 July – 31 August 2025
Niseko’s seasonal limited park is back again this year. Explore the local food, enjoy the music, and try out outdoor activities all while soaking in Niseko’s warm, sunny weather. The park will run from 18 July to 31 August. For more information, check their website.
Niko Niko Summer Festival
19 – 20 July 2025
Niko Niko Summer Festival is an event in Niseko where the locals gather to enjoy some food, music, live performances, and a fireworks display during a summer weekend. Interact with the locals and make the most out of your summer holiday in Niseko.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Otaru Tide Festival
25 – 27 July 2025
Held annually for over 50 years, the Otaru Tide Festival is considered to be one of Otaru City’s most important festivals. Fireworks mark the beginning and end of the festival, with thousands of people coming to attend the event. The festival’s highlight is the Ushio Nerikomi parade where groups of people dance their way around town.
Photo Credit: Niseko Area Guide
Rankoshi Stream Festival
26 – 27 July 2025
The Rankoshi Stream Festival is an event to cool down from the summer heat. A family-friendly event, the festival is held in Rankoshi’s Lan Lan Park, by the banks of the Shiribetsu River, where family and friends can enjoy water activities like rafting and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), along with live music and traditional art performances, as well as numerous food trucks.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Jigokudani Demon Fireworks
Every Thursday in July
Noboribetsu, a popular hot spring resort in Hokkaido and home to the famous Hell Valley, holds a fireworks festival every summer from June to July. It is an entertaining and unique fireworks display where Yukijin – the demons considered as guardians of the hot spring – launch the hand-held fireworks into the air in hopes of bringing happiness and carrying away troubles of the people.
Ongoing Events
Photo Credit: Toyako Onsen Tourist Association
44th Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival
28 April – 31 October 2025
Almost an hour away by car from Niseko is Lake Toya, famous for its stunning scenery and numerous spa resorts. It is also home to the 187-day fireworks display, the Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival. The event will run from 28 April to 31 October 2025 where visitors can enjoy a 20-minute fireworks display just by the lakeside.
Padel Opens
1 June – 13 October 2025
Padel, a racquet sport described to be a mix of tennis and squash, has come to Niseko this summer. HANAZONO is bringing to Niseko the first Padel Club in Hokkaido, and is open from 1 June until 13 October. Set in Niseko’s breathtaking mountainous scenery, discover and enjoy the fun of the sport with your family and friends.
With a month full of festivities, Niseko in July is a great time to create summer memories with family and friends. Take advantage of our Eco Stay Rate with Breakfast offer and make the most out of your holiday in Niseko.
